Participation in the National Register of Historic Places program has resulted in the listing of over 1,300 properties since 1970. Around 160 of these properties are historic districts, many with hundreds of buildings. Little discusses the program, including criteria for selection, role of consultants, the nomination of the property, and the future of the program in the state.

The Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit recognizes organizations and individuals demonstrating strong commitment to promotion of historical preservation. The 1987 award winners include Carteret County for work in preserving the 1907 courthouse and the Dillard High School Building in Goldsboro, an important African American landmark, which was preserved through a grass-roots effort.